HOUSTON — Congo produced one of the biggest surprises of FIFA World Cup 2026 after holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, earning its first-ever point at the tournament and scoring its first World Cup goal.
The African side, appearing in the World Cup for the first time since 1974, frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in front of 68,777 spectators at NRG Stadium.
Portugal made the perfect start when João Neves headed home Pedro Neto’s cross in the sixth minute to put the European side ahead.
However, Congo responded just before halftime when Yoane Wissa powered in a header from Arthur Masuaku’s cross in stoppage time, sending the small contingent of Congolese supporters into celebration.
The goal was a historic moment for Congo, whose only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974 when the nation competed as Zaire and failed to score in three defeats.
“Fifty-two years later we are back,” Wissa said. “Scoring that goal means a lot for all Congolese people.”
Portugal dominated possession and created the better chances after the break, but failed to find a winner.
Ronaldo, making his record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance, missed two opportunities in quick succession midway through the second half and showed visible frustration as Portugal struggled to break down Congo’s disciplined defense.
The 41-year-old also became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match, surpassing the previous record held by Canada’s Atiba Hutchinson.
Portugal thought it had regained the lead in the 55th minute when João Cancelo scored with an acrobatic bicycle kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Congo nearly completed a famous victory moments later when Cédric Bakambu struck the post.
Bruno Fernandes had Portugal’s best late opportunity in the 90th minute, but his effort drifted wide as Roberto Martínez’s side was forced to settle for a disappointing draw.
“The goal changed things,” Martínez said. “We almost felt the fear of not losing the game.”
The result continues a strong start for African nations at the tournament after Cape Verde stunned Spain with a goalless draw earlier in the week.
For Portugal, one of the pre-tournament favorites, the dropped points leave immediate pressure ahead of its remaining Group A matches.
The match also carried emotional significance for Portugal, with the parents of former international Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident last year, watching from the stands.
While Portugal extended its unbeaten run in World Cup openers, the night belonged to Congo, which finally celebrated its first World Cup goal and point more than half a century after its tournament debut.
Source: Saudi Gazette